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Classical Swine Fever

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Classical swine fever is a highly contagious disease of pigs caused by a virus.

Although the United States has been free of this disease for more than 40 years, the

virus is present in the Caribbean and South America, raising concern for its potential

introduction here.
The virus causes a wide range of clinical signs and can be difficult to recognize

because it may look like other diseases. Pigs previously exposed to the virus or

infected with a less severe strain of the virus may have mild or no clinical signs.

Severe infections can kill pigs, especially in young herds with naive immune

systems. Pigs that recover may still carry the virus for varying periods of time and

spread it to other pigs.

What To Look For

Depression (hunched posture, drooping head)

Anorexia

High fever (106 °F)

Huddling

Constipation followed by diarrhea

Reddened eyes

Skin hemorrhages (when small blood vessels burst just beneath the skin),

particularly around the ears, abdomen, or inner thighs

Incoordination or weakness, especially in young pigs

Reproductive issues, including stillbirths or malformed piglets

How To Prevent This Disease

Healthy pigs get the virus from contact with infected pigs or contaminated pens,

feed, equipment, or clothing. Pigs can also get it from eating untreated food waste

that contains infected pork scraps.

Follow strict biosecurity protocols. On-farm biosecurity is critical for preventing

classical swine fever. All pig owners and anyone who works with pigs should know

and follow strict biosecurity practices to protect U.S. pigs. Work with your

veterinarian to assess your biosecurity plans and make improvements as needed.

Keep your pigs away from feral swine. If your pigs have access to the outdoors,

use double fencing and other measures to make sure your pigs don't come in

contact with feral swine.
Don't bring classical swine fever home with you when you travel abroad:

Don't bring pork products from countries that have the disease. They can carry

classical swine fever into our country.

If you visit a farm while overseas, tell U.S. Customs and Border Protection when

you return to the United States.

Thoroughly clean and disinfect, or dispose of, any clothing or shoes that you

wore around pigs before returning to this country.

Do not visit a farm or property with pigs, livestock market, sale barn, zoo,

circus, pet store with potbellied pigs, or any other animal facility with pigs for at

least 5 days after you return to the country.

How It Is Treated

There's no treatment for classical swine fever other than supportive care. Vaccines

are available but require USDA approval for use (such as in an outbreak).

Report Signs of Animal Disease

Producers or owners who suspect an animal disease should contact their

veterinarian to evaluate the animal or herd. Find an accredited veterinarian.

Animal health professionals (veterinarians; diagnostic laboratories; public health,

zoo, or wildlife personnel; and others) report diagnosed or suspected cases of

nationally listed reportable animal diseases to APHIS District Offices and to the State

animal health official as applicable under State reporting regulations. 

Controlling Classical Swine Fever

Surveillance

The ongoing spread of African swine fever in Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean as well

as classical swine fever in the Caribbean and South America has spiked concerns

about their potential to enter the United States. APHIS is leading nationwide

surveillance for both diseases.
African and Classical Swine Fever Integrated Surveillance Plan (643.91 KB):

Outlines current diagnostic and surveillance methodologies for both diseases

Swine Hemorrhagic Fevers Surveillance Dashboard: Allows users to interact

with African and classical swine fever surveillance data

Swine Hemorrhagic Fever Surveillance Evaluation Brief (543.79 KB): Highlights

successes of the integrated surveillance plan after its first year of

implementation and opportunities for improving it

Surveillance activities target:

Swine suspected of having African swine fever or classical swine fever

Samples taken from sick pigs that are submitted to an APHIS-approved National

Animal Health Laboratory Network laboratory

Pigs condemned at slaughter by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service

Pigs raised outdoors with potential exposure to feral swine or pigs fed garbage

(considered high-risk pigs)

Samples from feral swine collected by APHIS' National Wildlife Disease Program

and National Wildlife Research Center

Resources for Producers

Consider enrolling in the U.S. Swine Health Improvement Program. This program is

sponsored by APHIS Veterinary Services and is an initiative supported by State and

industry partners. It provides standards for safeguarding, improving, and

representing the health status of swine across participating farm sites, supply

chains, States, and regions. It helps support the current and future health assurance

needs of the 21st century U.S. pork industry.